Estrella found a home with her name on it
09/11/2026
When Estrella moved from southern Spain to London in 2011 for her Master's degree, she never imagined she'd still be here 15 years later. But after building a life in the city and falling in love with East London, she knew it was where she wanted to stay. When the time came for a little more space, shared ownership helped make that possible.
East London stole her heart
For Estrella, East London has everything she loves – a mix of cultures, creativity and community.
“I love East London. It’s multicultural, artistic and has that neighbourhood feel that makes it feel personal,” she says.
Staying in the area was just as important as finding a bigger home. She wanted somewhere with room for visiting family, without leaving behind the neighbourhood she’d come to call home.
A way forward
Estrella loved her previous home, but it was becoming too small and increasingly expensive.
Buying outright felt out of reach, while renting offered little long-term security. Shared Ownership in Bow opened a door that had previously felt closed.
“Shared ownership is an inclusive way of giving people the chance to own a home when buying outright isn’t always possible,” she says.
A welcome to remember
Estrella discovered her new home with Poplar HARCA almost by chance, but she says the experience couldn’t have been better.
Estrella says that the Sales team made the process feel straightforward and supportive from day one. On completion day, she arrived to find a bow and a bottle of sparkling wine waiting for her.
“The Sales team at Poplar HARCA are so thoughtful. Isn’t that incredible?” she recalls.
It was a small gesture that made a big moment feel even more special.
